Stem cells

Over the past decade there's been much excitement about the potential of
stem-cell transplantation as effective treatment of various medical
conditions. Unfortunately, most of it has been hype and fantasy. More
recently, researchers have found ways to inject stem cells into the
bloodstream and various other parts of the body in a way that does not
produce uncontrolled growth or attempts by the body to reject those stem
cells.

This is a major step forward and is indicative of the fact that persistence is the key to any successful endeavor. I firmly believe that we will eventually find legitimate and safe applications of stem cell technology. Even more wonderful is the fact that scientists can now utilize adult stem cells and, through various biochemical processes, increase their potential to differentiate along several lines. In the long run it will make them even more valuable than embryonic stem cells because they would eliminate the controversy surrounding the issue, allowing everyone to support this vitally important area of science.

As recently as Nov. 28, researchers at UCLA engineered blood stem cells into cancer-killing T-cells that seek out and attack human melanoma. It is the first time this type of process has been done and it is proof that stem cell research is not something that we should fear, but something that we should embrace for the betterment of our future.